I am writing regarding the totally professional conduct of senior animal control officer Ken Thomas following an unfortunate and ugly situation when two neighbouring dogs killed our dearly loved cat on our veranda, a few inches from the cat door and only a few feet from wherewe were sitting inside. As a past council member for the Eastern Ward for a number of years, I had worked with Ken on committees, and during that time had come to recognise and appreciate his abilities, but not to the extent he showed that Sunday. Ken's approach to us was totally professional, as he explained the procedures of obtaining statements and what happens thereafter. As our son, Gregory, commented, no one would have known of our past association. My wife Carol was totally traumatised by the incident, and still is, but Ken, with a caring, thoughtful manner, took her through the statements she made regarding this incident. I felt I had to write and let you know that this staff member needs to be commended, as I know from past experience only too well that council officers, and for that matter councillors, only receive criticism, much of it unfounded. I would also like to commend the lady on the answerphone on Sunday morning, as her compassion and concern was instant and reassuring. DUGALD MACDONALD Kerikeri
